Bicycle operating device

ABSTRACT

A bicycle operating device comprises a base member and an operated member. The operated member is configured to be movable relative to the base member from a rest position to a first operated position along a first path such that an operation cable is pulled relative to the base member by a first amount of movement in a cable operating direction. The operated member is configured to be movable relative to the base member from the rest position to a second operated position along a second path such that the operation cable is pulled relative to the base member by a second amount of movement in the cable operating direction. The second path is at least partially different from the first path. The second amount of movement is different from the first amount of movement.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a bicycle operating device.

2. Discussion of the Background

Bicycling is becoming an increasingly more popular form of recreation aswell as a means of transportation. Moreover, bicycling has become a verypopular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Whetherthe bicycle is used for recreation, transportation or competition, thebicycle industry is constantly improving the various components of thebicycle. One bicycle component that has been extensively redesigned is abicycle operating device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a bicycleoperating device comprises a base member and an operated member. Thebase member is configured to be mounted to a bicycle part. The operatedmember is configured to be operated by a user to operate a bicyclecomponent via an operation cable. The operated member is configured tobe movable relative to the base member from a rest position to a firstoperated position along a first path such that the operation cable ispulled relative to the base member by a first amount of movement in acable operating direction. The operated member is configured to bemovable relative to the base member from the rest position to a secondoperated position along a second path such that the operation cable ispulled relative to the base member by a second amount of movement in thecable operating direction. The second path is at least partiallydifferent from the first path. The second amount of movement isdifferent from the first amount of movement.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, the bicycleoperating device according to the first aspect further comprises a cableoperating structure configured to pull the operation cable relative tothe base member in the cable operating direction by the first amount ofmovement when the operated member is moved from the rest position to thefirst operated position along the first path. The cable operatingstructure is configured to pull the operation cable relative to the basemember in the cable operating direction by the second amount of movementwhen the operated member is moved from the rest position to the secondoperated position along the second path.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, the bicycleoperating device according to the second aspect is configured so thatthe cable operating structure is configured to be moved by the operatedmember in a first direction when the operated member is moved from therest position to the first operated position. The cable operatingstructure is configured to be moved by the operated member in the firstdirection when the operated member is moved from the rest position tothe second operated position.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, the bicycleoperating device according to the third aspect is configured so that theoperated member is configured to be slanted by a user in a seconddirection different from the first direction when the operated member ismoved from the rest position to at least one of the first operatedposition and the second operated position.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, the bicycleoperating device according to the fourth aspect is configured so thatthe operated member is pivotally coupled to the cable operatingstructure about a pivot axis.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, the bicycleoperating device according to the fifth aspect is configured so that thecable operating structure includes a cable supporting member configuredto be movable relative to the base member in the first direction to pullthe operation cable in the cable operating direction. The operatedmember is pivotally coupled to the cable supporting member about thepivot axis such that the operated member is configured to be slanted inthe second direction.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention, thebicycle operating device according to the sixth aspect is configured sothat the operated member extends along a center axis intersecting withthe pivot axis. The first path is defined so as to at least extend fromthe center axis of when the operated member is disposed at the restposition, to the center axis of when the operated member is disposed atthe first operated position. The second path is defined so as to atleast extend from the center axis of when the operated member isdisposed at the rest position, to the center axis of when the operatedmember is disposed at the second operated position.

In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle operating device according to the sixth aspect is configured sothat the cable supporting member is configured to be rotatable relativeto the base member about a rotation axis in the first direction.

In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present invention, the bicycleoperating device according to the eighth aspect is configured so thatthe rest position is provided on a virtual plane perpendicular to therotation axis. At least one of the first operated position and thesecond operated position is spaced apart from the virtual plane.

In accordance with a tenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycleoperating device according to the eighth aspect is configured so thatthe cable supporting member is configured to be rotatable around thelongitudinal axis of the bicycle part.

In accordance with an eleventh aspect of the present invention, thebicycle operating device according to the eighth aspect is configured sothat the base member includes a supporting portion configured torotatably support the cable supporting member about the rotation axis.

In accordance with a twelfth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle operating device according to the sixth aspect further comprisesa first biasing member configured to bias the cable supporting membersuch that the operated member is disposed at the rest position.

In accordance with a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle operating device according to the first aspect is configured sothat the base member includes a rest positioning portion configured tobe contactable with the operated member to position the operated memberat the rest position relative to the base member.

In accordance with a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle operating device according to the thirteenth aspect isconfigured so that the base member includes a first positioning portionand a second positioning portion. The first positioning portion isconfigured to be contactable with the operated member to position theoperated member at the first operated position relative to the basemember. The second positioning portion is configured to be contactablewith the operated member to position the operated member at the secondoperated position relative to the base member.

In accordance with a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle operating device according to the fourteenth aspect isconfigured so that the base member includes a first guide portion and asecond guide portion. The first guide portion is configured to guide theoperated member between the rest positioning portion and the firstpositioning portion. The second guide portion is configured to guide theoperated member between the rest positioning portion and the secondpositioning portion.

In accordance with a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle operating device according to the fifteenth aspect is configuredso that the first guide portion is configured to allow the operatedmember to be moved from the first operated position to the secondoperated position without via the rest position.

In accordance with a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle operating device according to the first aspect is configured sothat the operation cable is configured to be connected to a bicycleseatpost assembly to adjust an overall length of the bicycle seatpostassembly. The bicycle seatpost assembly has a first overall length and asecond overall length. The first and second overall lengths aredifferent from each other. The overall length of the bicycle seatpostassembly is adjustable to the first overall length in a state where theoperated member is positioned at the first operated position such thatthe operation cable is pulled relative to the base member by the firstamount of movement. The overall length of the bicycle seatpost assemblyis adjustable to the second overall length in a state where the operatedmember is positioned at the second operated position such that theoperation cable is pulled relative to the base member by the secondamount of movement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendantadvantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bicycle operating device in accordancewith a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle operating device takenalong line II-II of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the bicycle operating deviceillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partial exploded perspective view of the bicycle operatingdevice illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the bicycle operating deviceillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the bicycle operatingdevice taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 1 (a first operated position);

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the bicycle operatingdevice taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 1 (a second operated position);

FIG. 8 is an elevational view of the bicycle operating deviceillustrated in FIG. 1 (the first operated position);

FIG. 9 is an elevational view of the bicycle operating deviceillustrated in FIG. 1 (the second operated position);

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a bicycle seatpost assemblyconnected to the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the bicycle seatpostassembly illustrated in FIG. 10 (a closed position);

FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the bicycle seatpostassembly illustrated in FIG. 10 (a first open position);

FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of the bicycle seatpostassembly illustrated in FIG. 10 (the first open position);

FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of the bicycle seatpostassembly illustrated in FIG. 10 (a second open position); and

FIG. 15 is an elevational view of a bicycle operating device inaccordance with a second embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding oridentical elements throughout the various drawings.

First Embodiment

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a bicycle operating device 10 inaccordance with a first embodiment is configured to be mounted to abicycle part B1. Possible examples of the bicycle part B1 include abicycle handlebar, a stem and a bicycle frame. The bicycle operatingdevice 10 is configured to operate a bicycle component B2 configured tobe operated via an operation cable 2. Possible examples of the bicyclecomponent B2 include a seat post assembly and a bicycle transmission.Since such bicycle components are well known in the bicycle field, theywill not be described and/or illustrated in detail here for the sake ofbrevity. The bicycle operating device 10 is a right hand side controldevice operated by the rider's right hand. It will be apparent to thoseskilled in the bicycle field that the configuration of the bicycleoperating device 10 can be adapted to a left hand side control devicethat is operated by the rider's left hand.

In the present application, the following directional terms “forward”,“rearward”, “left”, “right”, “upward” and “downward” as well as anyother similar directional terms refer to those directions which aredetermined on the basis of the rider who sits on a bicycle seat (notshown) of a bicycle with facing a bicycle handlebar (not shown).Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the bicycle operatingdevice 10, should be interpreted relative to a bicycle equipped with thebicycle operating device 10 as used in an upright riding position on ahorizontal surface.

As seen in FIG. 1, the bicycle operating device 10 comprises a basemember 12. The base member 12 is configured to be mounted to the bicyclepart B1. In the illustrated embodiment, the base member 12 has anannular shape and includes an inner peripheral surface 12 a. The innerperipheral surface 12 a defines a center opening 12 b through which thebicycle part B1. In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle part B1 hasa longitudinal axis A1. The bicycle operating device 10 comprises aclamp member 14 configured to clamp the bicycle part B1 together withthe inner peripheral surface 12 a of the base member 12.

As seen in FIG. 1, the bicycle operating device 10 comprises an operatedmember 16. The operated member 16 is configured to be operated by a userto operate the bicycle component B2 via an operation cable 2. The basemember 12 includes a guide opening 12 c configured to define a movablearea of the operated member 16 with respect to the base member 12. Theoperated member 16 extends through the guide opening 12 c.

As seen in FIG. 2, the bicycle operating device 10 further comprises acable operating structure 18. The base member 12 includes an inner space12 d having an annular shape. The cable operating structure 18 isprovided in the inner space 12 d of the base member 12. The cableoperating structure 18 is rotatable relative to the base member 12 in arotational direction D1 about a rotation axis A2. For example, therotation axis A2 is defined by a center axis of the inner peripheralsurface 12 a of the base member 12 and is substantially coaxial with thelongitudinal axis A1 of the bicycle part B1.

As seen in FIG. 2, the operated member 16 is pivotally coupled to thecable operating structure 18 about a pivot axis A3. The operated member16 extends along a center axis A4 intersecting with the pivot axis A3.In the illustrated embodiment, the center axis A4 of the operated member16 is perpendicular to the pivot axis A3. The operated member 16 isrotatable together with the cable operating structure 18 relative to thebase member 12 about the rotation axis A2. The pivot axis A3 is definedsubstantially along the rotational direction D1 of the cable operatingstructure 18. The pivot axis A3 can be defined to be perpendicular to aradial direction of the inner peripheral surface 12 a of the base member12. The constructions of the operated member 16 and the cable operatingstructure 18 are not limited to the illustrated embodiment. For example,the operated member 16 can be secured to the cable operating structure18 if needed and/or desired. Furthermore, the operated member 18 can beslanted in a direction different from the rotational direction D1together with the cable operating structure 18 with respect to the basemember 12 if needed and/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 2, the cable operating structure 18 includes a cablesupporting member 20. An end of the operation cable 2 is connected tothe cable supporting member 20. More specifically, the cable supportingmember 20 includes a cable supporting main-body 21 and a cableattachment portion 22. The cable attachment portion 22 is provided onthe cable supporting main-body 21. An end of an inner cable 2 a of theoperation cable 2 is attached to the cable attachment portion 22. Thebase member 12 includes a cable guide hole 12 e through which theoperation cable 2 is to extend. The cable guide hole 12 e defines acable operation axis A5 as a center longitudinal axis thereof.

When the cable operating structure 18 rotates relative to the basemember 12 in a first rotational direction D11 of the rotationaldirection D1, the operation cable 2 (i.e., the inner cable 2 a) ispulled from an initial position. When the cable operating structure 18rotates relative to the base member 12 in a second rotational directionD12 opposite to the first rotational direction D11, the operation cable2 (i.e., the inner cable 2 a) is returned toward the initial position.

As seen in FIG. 3, the base member 12 includes a supporting portion 23configured to rotatably support the cable supporting member 20 about therotation axis A2. In the illustrated embodiment, the supporting portion23 is configured to slidably contact the cable supporting member 20 torotatably support the cable supporting member 20 about the rotation axisA2. The base member 12 further includes a first housing 24, a secondhousing 26 and a third housing 27. The second housing 26 is fastened tothe first housing 24 by fasteners (not shown) such as a screw. The thirdhousing 27 is fastened to the first housing 24 and the second housing 26by fasteners (not shown) such as a screw. The first housing 24 has afirst annular part 24 a and a first cylindrical part 24 b. The firstannular part 24 a has a first opening 24 c through which the bicyclepart B1 (FIG. 1) is to extend. The first cylindrical part 24 b protrudesfrom an outer periphery of the first annular part 24 a. The secondhousing 26 has a second annular part 26 a and a second cylindrical part26 b. The second housing 26 has a second opening 26 c through which thebicycle part B1 is to extend. The second cylindrical part 26 b protrudesfrom an outer periphery of the second annular part 26 a. The firstcylindrical part 24 b, the second cylindrical part 26 b and the thirdhousing 27 are assembled to provide the guide opening 12 c (FIG. 1).

The supporting portion 23 is provided between the first housing 24 andthe second housing 26. The supporting portion 23 is secured to the firstannular part 24 a and the second annular part 26 a via protrusions 23 a.The supporting portion 23 defines the center opening 12 b of the basemember 12. The supporting portion 23, the first housing 24, the secondhousing 26 and the third housing 27 define the inner space 12 d (FIG. 2)of the base member 12.

The cable operating structure 18 includes a first sliding part 30 and asecond sliding part 32. The cable supporting main-body 21 has acylindrical shape and is disposed radially outward of the supportingportion 23. The first sliding part 30 is fitted in the cable supportingmember 20. The second sliding part 32 is fitted in the cable supportingmember 20. The first sliding part 30 is slidable with an outerperipheral surface of the supporting portion 23. The second sliding part32 is slidable with an outer peripheral surface of the supportingportion 23. The construction of the cable operating structure 18 is notlimited to the illustrated embodiment. For example, at least one of thefirst sliding part 30 and the second sliding part 32 can be slidablyprovided in the cable supporting main-body 21 if needed and/or desired.Furthermore, at least one of the first sliding part 30 and the secondsliding part 32 can be integrally provided with the cable supportingmain-body 21 as a single unitary member if needed and/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 3, the cable operating structure 18 further includes alever coupling structure 34 configured to pivotally couple the operatedmember 16 to the cable supporting member 20. The lever couplingstructure 34 is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the cablesupporting member 20. The lever coupling structure 34 includes a firstlever supporting part 36 and a second lever supporting part 38. Each ofthe first lever supporting part 36 and the second lever supporting part38 radially outwardly protrudes from the cable supporting main-body 20.The second lever supporting part 38 is spaced apart from the first leversupporting part 36 in the rotational direction D1. The operated member16 is partially provided between the first lever supporting part 36 andthe second lever supporting part 38 (FIG. 2). The lever couplingstructure 34 further includes a pivot pin 40 configured to pivotallycouple the operated member 16 to the first lever supporting part 36 andthe second lever supporting part 38. The pivot pin 40 is attached to thefirst lever supporting part 36 and the second lever supporting part 38.

As seen in FIG. 4, the pivot pin 40 includes a first end 40 a and asecond end 40 b. The first lever supporting part 36 includes a firstsupporting hole 36 a. The second lever supporting part 38 includes asecond supporting hole 38 a. The first end 40 a of the pivot pin 40 isfitted in the first supporting hole 36 a. The second end 40 b of thepivot pin 40 is fitted in the second supporting hole 38 a.

The operated member 16 includes a shaft portion 16 a and a head portion16 b provided at an end of the shaft portion 16 a. The shaft portion 16a includes a through-hole 16 c through which the pivot pin 40 extends.The pivot pin 40 defines the pivot axis A3 of the operated member 16.The head portion 16 b has an outer maximum diameter larger than an outermaximum diameter of the shaft portion 16 a. The operated member 16 ispivotable relative to the cable supporting member 20 around the pivotaxis A3.

As seen in FIG. 4, the lever coupling structure 34 further includes afirst biasing element 42 and a second biasing element 44. The firstbiasing element 42 and the second biasing element 44 are secured to thesecond lever supporting part 38. In the illustrated embodiment, each ofthe first biasing element 42 and the second biasing element 44 is a leafspring, for example. The structures of the first biasing element 42 andthe second biasing element 44 are not limited to the illustratedembodiment. For example, the first biasing element 42 and the secondbiasing element 44 can be other biasing elements such as a coil springif needed and/or desired. Furthermore, at least one of the first biasingelement 42 and the second biasing element 44 can be omitted if neededand/or desired.

The second lever supporting part 38 includes a first slit 38 b and asecond slit 38 c. The first biasing element 42 is partially fitted inthe first slit 38 b. The second biasing element 44 is partially fittedin the second slit 38 c. The shaft portion 16 a of the operated member16 is provided between the first biasing element 42 and the secondbiasing element 44. The first biasing element 42 and the second biasingelement 44 are configured to elastically position the operated member 16at a neutral position Pn. As seen in FIG. 2, in a state where theoperated member 16 is positioned at the neutral position Pn, the centeraxis A4 of the operated member 16 is substantially perpendicular to therotational axis A2.

As seen in FIG. 5, the operated member 16 is movable within the guideopening 12 c of the base member 12. The operated member 16 is omittedfrom FIG. 5 for convenience of explanation. The operated member 16 isconfigured to be movable relative to the base member 12 from a restposition P0 to a first operated position P1 along a first path T1. Theoperated member 16 is configured to be movable relative to the basemember 12 from the rest position P0 to a second operated position P2along a second path T2. In FIG. 5, each of the rest position P0, thefirst operated position P1 and the second operated position P2 isdefined based on the center axis A4 of the operated member 16.

More specifically, the first path T1 is defined so as to at least extendfrom the center axis A4 of when the operated member 16 is disposed atthe rest position P0, to the center axis A4 of when the operated member16 is disposed at the first operated position P1. The second path T2 isdefined so as to at least extend from the center axis A4 of when theoperated member 16 is disposed at the rest position P0, to the centeraxis A4 of when the operated member 16 is disposed at the secondoperated position P2. The second path T2 is at least partially differentfrom the first path T1. In the illustrated embodiment, the second pathT2 is entirely different from the first path T1. The first path T1 isdefined as a path having a minimum travel between the rest position P0and the first operated position P1, for example. The second path T2 isdefined as a path having a minimum travel between the rest position P0and the second operated position P2, for example. The rest position P0can be defined as a point at which the first path T1 and the second pathT2 intersects with each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the secondpath T2 is defined on a plane which is not parallel to a plane on whichthe first path T1 is defined.

In the present application, the tend “rest position” as used hereinrefers to a position at which a movable part (e.g., the operated member16) remains stationary in a state where the movable part is not operatedby a user (e.g., a rider). The term “operated position” as used hereinrefers to a position at which the movable part has been operated by auser (e.g., a rider) to perform the operation of the bicycle componentB2.

As seen in FIG. 5, the rest position P0 is provided on a virtual plane Vperpendicular to the rotation axis A2. At least one of the firstoperated position P1 and the second operated position P2 is spaced apartfrom the virtual plane V. In the illustrated embodiment, each of thefirst operated position P1 and the second operated position P2 is spacedapart from the virtual plane V. The first operated position P1 isdisposed on an opposite side of the second operated position P2 withrespect to the virtual plane V. However, one of the first operatedposition P1 and the second operated position P2 can be disposed on thevirtual plane V if needed and/or desired. Furthermore, both of the firstoperated position P1 and the second operated position P2 can be disposedon the same side with respect to the virtual plane V if needed and/ordesired.

As seen in FIG. 5, the base member 12 includes a rest positioningportion PP0, a first positioning portion PP1 and a second positioningportion PP2. The rest positioning portion PP0 is configured to becontactable with the operated member 16 to position the operated member16 at the rest position P0 relative to the base member 12. The firstpositioning portion PP1 is configured to be contactable with theoperated member 16 to position the operated member 16 at the firstoperated position P1 relative to the base member 12. The secondpositioning portion PP2 is configured to be contactable with theoperated member 16 to position the operated member 16 at the secondoperated position P2 relative to the base member 12.

The base member 12 includes a first guide portion G1 and a second guideportion G2. The first guide portion G1 is configured to guide theoperated member 16 between the rest positioning portion PP0 and thefirst positioning portion PP1. The second guide portion G2 is configuredto guide the operated member 16 between the rest positioning portion PP0and the second positioning portion PP2. The first guide portion G1 isconfigured to allow the operated member 16 to be moved from the firstoperated position P1 to the second operated position P2 without via therest position P0. More specifically, the operated member 16 isconfigured to be movable relative to the base member 12 from the firstoperated position P1 to the second operated position P2 along a thirdpath T3. The third path T3 is partially the same as the second path T2.

The second guide portion G2 is on an opposite side of the first guideportion G1 in the guide opening 12 c. The operated member 16 is movablerelative to the base member 12 between the first guide portion G1 andthe second guide portion G2. The base member 12 further includes a thirdguide portion G3 configured to guide the operated member 16 between thefirst operated position P1 and the second operated position P2. Thethird guide portion G3 is configured to allow the operated member 16 tobe mover from the second operated position P2 to the first operatedposition P1 without via the rest position P0. The rest positioningportion PP0, the first positioning portion PP1, the second positioningportion PP2, the first guide portion G1, the second guide portion G2 andthe third guide portion G3 define the guide opening 12 c of the basemember 12.

As seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the operated member 16 is configured to bemovable relative to the base member 12 from the rest position P0 to thefirst operated position P1 along the first path T1 such that theoperation cable 2 is pulled relative to the base member 12 by a firstamount of movement M1 in a cable operating direction D2. The cableoperating structure 18 is configured to pull the operation cable 2relative to the base member 12 in the cable operating direction D2 bythe first amount of movement M1 when the operated member 16 is movedfrom the rest position P0 to the first operated position P1 along thefirst path T1. The cable operating direction D2 is defined as adirection parallel to the cable operation axis A5 of the cable guidehole 12 e, for example.

As seen in FIGS. 5 and 7, the operated member 16 is configured to bemovable relative to the base member 12 from the rest position P0 to thesecond operated position P2 along the second path T2 such that theoperation cable 2 is pulled relative to the base member 12 by a secondamount of movement M2 in the cable operating direction D2. The cableoperating structure 18 is configured to pull the operation cable 2relative to the base member 12 in the cable operating direction D2 bythe second amount of movement M2 when the operated member 16 is movedfrom the rest position P0 to the second operated position P2 along thesecond path T2.

As seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the second amount of movement M2 is differentfrom the first amount of movement M1. In the illustrated embodiment, thesecond amount of movement M2 is greater than the first amount ofmovement M1. However, the second amount of movement M2 can be less thanthe first amount of movement M1 if needed and/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 6, the first positioning portion PP1 and the restpositioning portion PP0 are configured to define a first rotation angleR1 of the cable operating structure 18 relative to the base member 12about the rotation axis A2. The first positioning portion PP1 and therest positioning portion PP0 are configured to define the first amountof movement M1 of the operation cable 2 in the cable operating directionD2.

As seen in FIG. 7, the second positioning portion PP2 and the restpositioning portion PP0 are configured to define a second rotation angleR2 of the cable operating structure 18 relative to the base member 12about the rotation axis A2. The second rotation angle R2 is greater thanthe first rotation angle R1. The second positioning portion PP2 and therest positioning portion PP0 are configured to define the second amountof movement M2 of the operation cable 2 in the cable operating directionD2.

As seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the cable operating structure 18 is configuredto be moved by the operated member 16 in a first direction when theoperated member 16 is moved from the rest position P0 to the firstoperated position P1. In the illustrated embodiment, the first directionis defined as the first rotational direction D11 of the rotationaldirection D1. The first direction can be defined as directions otherthan the first rotational direction D11. The first rotational directionD11 is hereinafter referred to as the first direction D11. The cablesupporting member 20 is configured to be rotatable relative to the basemember 12 about the rotation axis A2 in the first direction D11. Inother words, the cable supporting member 20 is configured to berotatable relative to the base member 12 around the longitudinal axis A1of the bicycle part B1.

As seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the cable operating structure 18 is configuredto be moved by the operated member 16 in the first direction D11 whenthe operated member 16 is moved from the rest position P0 to the secondoperated position P2. The cable supporting member 20 is configured to bemovable relative to the base member 12 in the first direction D11 topull the operation cable 2 in the cable operating direction D2.

As seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, the operated member 16 is configured to beslanted by a user in a second direction D3 different from the firstdirection D11 when the operated member 16 is moved from the restposition P0 to at least one of the first operated position P1 and thesecond operated position P2. In the illustrated embodiment, the operatedmember 16 is configured to be slanted by a user in the second directionD3 when the operated member 16 is moved from the rest position P0 toeach of the first operated position P1 and the second operated positionP2.

As seen in FIGS. 2, 8 and 9, the second direction D3 is defined as apivot direction in which the operated member 16 is pivotable relative tothe cable operating structure 18 around the pivot axis A3. The operatedmember 16 is pivotally coupled to the cable supporting member 20 aboutthe pivot axis A3 such that the operated member 16 is configured to beslanted in the second direction D3.

Returning to FIG. 2, the bicycle operating device 10 further comprises afirst biasing member 46 configured to bias the cable supporting member20 such that the operated member 16 is disposed at the rest position P0.In the illustrated embodiment, the first biasing member 46 is a tensioncoil spring. However, the first biasing member 46 can be a biasingmember other than the tension coil spring if needed and/or desired.

The cable operating structure 18 includes a first spring support 48radially outwardly protruding from the cable supporting main-body 21.The base member 12 includes a second spring support 50 spaced apart fromthe first spring support 48 in the rotational direction D1. A first endportion 46 a of the first biasing member 46 is hooked to the firstspring support 48. A second end portion 46 b of the first biasing member46 is hooked to the second spring support 50.

As seen in FIG. 2, the first biasing member 46 is configured to bias thecable operating structure 18 to rotate relative to the base member 12 inthe second rotational direction D12. As seen in FIG. 5, the operatedmember 16 is pressed against the rest positioning portion PP0 in a statewhere the cable operating structure 18 is biased to rotate relative tothe base member 12 in the second rotational direction D12. This causesthe operated member 16 to be positioned at the rest position P0.However, the first biasing member 46 can be omitted from the bicycleoperating device 10 if needed and/or desired. The first biasing member46 can be provided in a bicycle component operated using the bicycleoperating device 10 if needed and/or desired.

The bicycle operating device 10 can be used to operate several bicyclecomponents. One example of the bicycle component B2 will be describedbelow referring to FIGS. 10 to 14.

As seen in FIG. 10, the bicycle operating device 10 can be used tooperate a bicycle seatpost assembly 100 via the operation cable 2, forexample. The operation cable 2 is configured to be connected to thebicycle seatpost assembly 100 to adjust an overall length of the bicycleseatpost assembly 100. The bicycle seatpost assembly 100 has a maximumoverall length L0 and a minimum overall length L3. The overall length ofthe bicycle seatpost assembly 100 is adjustable within an adjustablerange AR defined as a difference between the maximum overall length L0and the minimum overall length L3. The bicycle seatpost assembly 100 hasa first overall length L1 and a second overall length L2. The firstoverall length L1 and the second overall length L2 are defined betweenthe maximum overall length L0 and the minimum overall length L3. Thefirst and second overall lengths L1 and L2 are different from eachother.

For example, the overall length of the bicycle seatpost assembly 100 isadjustable to the first overall length L1 in a state where the operatedmember 16 is positioned at the first operated position P1 such that theoperation cable 2 is pulled relative to the base member 12 by the firstamount of movement M1 (FIG. 6). The overall length of the bicycleseatpost assembly 100 is adjustable to the second overall length L2 in astate where the operated member 16 is positioned at the second operatedposition P2 such that the operation cable 2 is pulled relative to thebase member 12 by the second amount of movement M2 (FIG. 7).

In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle seatpost assembly 100 has alocked state, a first adjustable state and a second adjustable state.The bicycle seatpost assembly 100 has a structure switchable a state ofthe bicycle seatpost assembly 100 between the locked state, the firstadjustable state and the second adjustable state using the bicycleoperating device 10.

For example, in the locked state, the overall length of the bicycleseatpost assembly 100 is maintained at an adjusted overall length. Inthe first adjustable state, the overall length of the bicycle seatpostassembly 100 is adjustable to the first overall length L1 by justoperating the operated member 16 to the first operated position P1. Morespecifically, in the first adjustable state, the second cylinder 104stops relative to the first cylinder 102 at a position corresponding tothe first overall length L1 when the second cylinder 104 downwardlymoves relative to the first cylinder 102 from a position correspondingto the maximum overall length L0. Furthermore, in the first adjustablestate, the overall length of the bicycle seatpost assembly 100 iscontinuously adjustable between the maximum overall length L0 and thefirst overall length L1 by operating the operated member 16 to the firstoperated position P1. In the second adjustable state, the overall lengthof the bicycle seatpost assembly 100 is continuously adjustable withinthe adjustable range AR by operating the operated member 16 to thesecond operated position P2. In the illustrated embodiment, the secondoverall length L2 shows possible overall lengths within the adjustablerange AR while the first overall length L1 is a predetermined overalllength.

As seen in FIG. 10, the bicycle seatpost assembly 100 includes a firstcylinder 102 and a second cylinder 104. The first cylinder 102 isdetachably attached to a seat tube (not shown), for example. However,the second cylinder 104 can be detachably attached to the seat tube ifneeded and/or desired. The second cylinder 104 is configured to betelescopically received in the first cylinder 102. The first cylinder102 and the second cylinder 104 are configured to movable relative toeach other in a telescopic direction D10. The second cylinder 104includes a seat attachment portion 106 to which a bicycle seat (notshown) is to be attached.

As seen in FIG. 10, the bicycle seatpost assembly 100 further includes apositioning structure 108. The positioning structure 108 is configuredto switch a state of the bicycle seatpost assembly 100 among the lockedstate, the first adjustable state and the second adjustable state. Thepositioning structure 108 includes a first inner tube 110, a secondinner tube 112, and a valve structure 114. The first inner tube 110 andthe second inner tube 112 extend in the telescopic direction D10. Thefirst inner tube 110 is provided in the first cylinder 102 and isintegrally movable with the first cylinder 102. The second inner tube112 is provided in the second cylinder 104 and is integrally movablewith the second inner tube 112. The valve structure 114 has a closedstate, a first open state and a second open state. The closed statecorresponds to the locked state. The first open state corresponds to thefirst adjustable state. The second open state corresponds to the secondadjustable state.

In the locked state, the first cylinder 102 and the second cylinder 104are fixedly positioned relative to each other in the telescopicdirection D10. In the first adjustable state, the first cylinder 102 andthe second cylinder 104 are telescopically movable relative to eachother between the maximum overall length L0 and the first overall lengthL1in the telescopic direction D10. In the second adjustable state, thefirst cylinder 102 and the second cylinder 104 are telescopicallymovable relative to each other between the maximum overall length L0 andthe minimum overall length L3 in the telescopic direction D10. Thebicycle seatpost assembly 100 includes a valve operating structure 116attached to a lower end of the first cylinder 102. The valve operatingstructure 116 is operatively connected to the bicycle operating device10 via the operation cable 2.

As seen in FIG. 11, the valve structure 114 includes a valve body 118and a valve receiving member 120. The valve receiving member 120 issecured to an upper end of the first inner tube 110 and is slidablyprovided in the second inner tube 112. A first chamber C1 is defined bythe second inner tube 112, the valve body 118 and the valve receivingmember 120. A second chamber C2 is defined by the second inner tube 112,the valve receiving member 120 and the first inner tube 110. Each of thefirst chamber C1 and the second chamber C2 is filled with asubstantially incompressible fluid (e.g., oil), for example.

The valve body 118 is slidably provided in the first inner tube 110 andthe valve receiving member 120. The valve body 118 is configured to bepositioned at a closed position P10, a first open position P11 and asecond open position P12. In the closed state of the valve structure114, the valve body 118 is positioned at the closed position P10. In thefirst open state of the valve structure 114, the valve body 118 ispositioned at the first open position P11. In the second open state ofthe valve structure 114, the valve body 118 is positioned at the secondopen position P12.

The valve body 118 contacts the valve receiving member 120 to close thevalve structure 114 in a state where the valve body 118 is positioned atthe closed position P10. The closed position P10 corresponds to the restposition P0 (FIGS. 5 and 10) of the bicycle operating device 10. Thefirst open position P11 corresponds to the first operated position P1(FIGS. 5, 6 and 10) of the bicycle operating device 10. The second openposition P12 corresponds to the second operated position P2 (FIGS. 5, 7and 10) of the bicycle operating device 10.

As seen in FIG. 11, in a state where the overall length of the bicycleseatpost assembly 100 is the maximum overall length L0, a seal member122 is disposed radially inward of a recess 112 a provided in the secondinner tube 112. The second inner tube 112 includes a first innerperipheral surface 112 b, a second inner peripheral surface 112 c and arecessed inner peripheral surface 112 d. The recessed inner peripheralsurface 112 d defines the recess 112 a. The recessed inner peripheralsurface 112 d is disposed between the first inner peripheral surface 112b and the second inner peripheral surface 112 c. The seal member 122 isspaced apart from the recessed inner peripheral surface 112 d of thesecond inner tube 112 to provide a passageway W1 between the recessedinner peripheral surface 112 d and the seal member 122.

As seen in FIG. 12, when the operated member 16 of the bicycle operatingdevice 10 is moved by the user from the rest position P0 to the firstoperated position P1, the valve body 118 is moved from the closedposition P10 to the first open position P11. In a state where the valvebody 118 is positioned at the first open position P11, the first chamberC1 is in communication with the second chamber C2 via a firstintermediate chamber C3, first through-holes 120 a, a secondintermediate chamber C4 and second through-holes 120 b. This allows thesubstantially incompressible fluid to flow from the first chamber C1 tothe second chamber C2, allowing the second cylinder 104 to be downwardlymoved relative to the first cylinder 102 using the rider's weightapplied to the seat attachment portion 106.

As seen in FIG. 13, after the seal member 122 passes through the recess112 a, the seal member 122 contacts the first inner peripheral surface112 b of the second inner tube 112. This prevents the substantiallyincompressible fluid from flowing from the first chamber C1 to thesecond chamber C2, causing the second cylinder 104 to stop movingrelative to the first cylinder 102 and to be fixedly positioned relativeto the first cylinder 102 at a position corresponding to the firstoverall length L1 (FIG. 10). Accordingly, when the operated member 16 ofthe bicycle operating device 10 is moved to the first operated positionP1, the second cylinder 104 downwardly moves relative to the firstcylinder 102 from the maximum overall length L0 to the first overalllength L1 defined by the recess 112 a.

As seen FIG. 14, when the operated member 16 is moved by the user fromthe rest position P0 to the second operated position P2, the valve body118 is moved from the closed position P10 to the second open positionP12. In a state where the valve body 118 is positioned at the secondopen position P12, the first chamber C1 is in communication with thesecond chamber C2 via the second intermediate chamber C4 and the secondthrough-holes 120 b. This allows the substantially incompressible fluidto flow from the first chamber C1 to the second chamber C2, allowing thesecond cylinder 104 to be downwardly moved relative to the firstcylinder 102 using the rider's weight applied to the seat attachmentportion 106.

At this time, the substantially incompressible fluid flows from thefirst chamber C1 to the second chamber C2 without via the firstintermediate chamber C3. Accordingly, a relative position between thefirst cylinder 102 and the second cylinder 104 can be continuouslyadjusted using the bicycle operating device 10 regardless of the recess112 a.

Since the bicycle seatpost assembly 100 includes structures which arewell known in the bicycle field, they will not be described and/orillustrated in detail here for the sake of brevity. The bicyclecomponent B2 operated using the bicycle operating device 10 is notlimited to the bicycle seatpost assembly 100. The bicycle operatingdevice 10 can be used to operate bicycle components other than thebicycle seatpost assembly 100 if needed and/or desired.

The bicycle seatpost assembly 100 is not limited to a hydraulicadjustable seatpost such that an overall length thereof is continuouslyadjustable. In a case where the bicycle operating device 10 is appliedto a seatpost assembly, the seatpost assembly can include a mechanicalstructure such that an overall length thereof is mechanically adjustableto a plurality of predetermined different lengths instead of a hydraulicmechanism.

With the bicycle operating device 10, the operated member 16 isconfigured to be movable relative to the base member 12 from the restposition P0 to the first operated position P1 along the first path T1such that the operation cable 2 is pulled relative to the base member 12by the first amount of movement M1 in the cable operating direction D2.Furthermore, the operated member 16 is configured to be movable relativeto the base member 12 from the rest position P0 to the second operatedposition P2 along the second path T2 such that the operation cable 2 ispulled relative to the base member 12 by the second amount of movementM2 in the cable operating direction D2. The second path T2 is at leastpartially different from the first path T1. The second amount ofmovement M2 is different from the first amount of movement M1.Accordingly, the operation cable 2 can be pulled by each of the firstamount of movement M1 and the second amount of movement M2 in responseto operations of a single operated member (i.e., the operated member16). This allows the structure of the bicycle operating device 10 to besimplified.

Second Embodiment

A bicycle operating device 210 in accordance with a second embodimentwill be described below referring to FIG. 15. The bicycle operatingdevice 210 has substantially the same configuration as the bicycleoperating device 10 except for a shape of the guide opening. Thus,elements having substantially the same function as those in the firstembodiment will be numbered the same here, and will not be describedand/or illustrated again in detail here for the sake of brevity.

In the bicycle operating device 210, the second path T2 is at leastpartially different from the first path T1. In the illustratedembodiment, the second path T2 is partially different from the firstpath T1 and is partially the same as the first path T1. The second pathT2 includes the first path T1 and an additional path T22. The additionalpath T22 is defined from the first operated position P1 to the secondoperated position P2.

At least one of the first operated position P1 and the second operatedposition P2 is spaced apart from the virtual plane V. In the illustratedembodiment, the second operated position P2 is disposed on the virtualplane V while the first operated position P1 is spaced apart from thevirtual plane V.

The second guide portion G2 is configured to guide the operated member16 between the rest positioning portion PP0 and the second positioningportion PP2. In the illustrated embodiment, the second guide portion G2includes the first guide portion G1 and an additional guide portion G22.The additional guide portion G22 is configured to guide the operatedmember 16 between the first positioning portion PP1 and the secondpositioning portion PP2. The first guide portion G1 is configured toallow the operated member 16 to be moved from the first operatedposition P1 to the second operated position P2 without via the restposition P0.

With the bicycle operating device 210, the operation cable 2 can bepulled by each of the first amount of movement M1 (FIG. 6) and thesecond amount of movement M2 (FIG. 7) in response to operations of asingle operated member (i.e., the operated member 16). This allows thestructure of the bicycle operating device 210 to be simplified as wellas the bicycle operating device 10 in accordance with the firstembodiment.

In the present application, the term “attached” or “attaching”, as usedherein, encompasses configurations in which an element directly attachedto another element by affixing the element is directly to the otherelement; configurations in which the element is indirectly attached tothe other element via the intermediate member(s); and configurations inwhich one element is integral with another element, i.e. one element isessentially part of the other element. This concept also applies towords of similar meaning, for example, “joined”, “connected”, “coupled”,“mounted”, “bonded”, “fixed” and their derivatives.

The term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intendedto be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups,integers and/or steps. This concept also applies to words of similarmeaning, for example, the terms “have”, “include” and their derivatives.

The terms “member”, “section”, “portion”, “part” and “element” when usedin the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or aplurality of parts.

The ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” recited in the presentapplication are merely identifiers, but do not have any other meanings,for example, a particular order and the like. Moreover, for example, theterm “first element” itself does not imply an existence of “secondelement”, and the term “second element” itself does not imply anexistence of “first element.”

The term “pair of”, as used herein, can encompass the configuration inwhich the pair of elements have different shapes or structures from eachother in addition to the configuration in which the pair of elementshave the same shapes or structures as each other.

Finally, terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and“approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation ofthe modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the presentinvention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is thereforeto be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, theinvention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically describedherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bicycle operating device comprising: a basemember configured to be mounted to a bicycle part; and an operatedmember configured to be operated by a user to operate a bicyclecomponent via an operation cable, the operated member being configuredto be movable relative to the base member from a rest position to afirst operated position along a first path such that the operation cableis pulled relative to the base member by a first amount of movement in acable operating direction, the operated member being configured to bemovable relative to the base member from the rest position to a secondoperated position along a second path such that the operation cable ispulled relative to the base member by a second amount of movement in thecable operating direction, the second path being at least partiallydifferent from the first path, the second amount of movement beingdifferent from the first amount of movement.
 2. The bicycle operatingdevice according to claim 1, further comprising: a cable operatingstructure configured to pull the operation cable relative to the basemember in the cable operating direction by the first amount of movementwhen the operated member is moved from the rest position to the firstoperated position along the first path, and configured to pull theoperation cable relative to the base member in the cable operatingdirection by the second amount of movement when the operated member ismoved from the rest position to the second operated position along thesecond path.
 3. The bicycle operating device according to claim 2,wherein the cable operating structure is configured to be moved by theoperated member in a first direction when the operated member is movedfrom the rest position to the first operated position, and the cableoperating structure is configured to be moved by the operated member inthe first direction when the operated member is moved from the restposition to the second operated position.
 4. The bicycle operatingdevice according to claim 3, wherein the operated member is configuredto be slanted by a user in a second direction different from the firstdirection when the operated member is moved from the rest position to atleast one of the first operated position and the second operatedposition.
 5. The bicycle operating device according to claim 4, whereinthe operated member is pivotally coupled to the cable operatingstructure about a pivot axis.
 6. The bicycle operating device accordingto claim 5, wherein the cable operating structure includes a cablesupporting member configured to be movable relative to the base memberin the first direction to pull the operation cable in the cableoperating direction, and the operated member is pivotally coupled to thecable supporting member about the pivot axis such that the operatedmember is configured to be slanted in the second direction.
 7. Thebicycle operating device according to claim 6, wherein the operatedmember extends along a center axis intersecting with the pivot axis, thefirst path is defined so as to at least extend from the center axis ofwhen the operated member is disposed at the rest position, to the centeraxis of when the operated member is disposed at the first operatedposition, and the second path is defined so as to at least extend fromthe center axis of when the operated member is disposed at the restposition, to the center axis of when the operated member is disposed atthe second operated position.
 8. The bicycle operating device accordingto claim 6, wherein the cable supporting member is configured to berotatable relative to the base member about a rotation axis in the firstdirection.
 9. The bicycle operating device according to claim 8, whereinthe rest position is provided on a virtual plane perpendicular to therotation axis, and at least one of the first operated position and thesecond operated position is spaced apart from the virtual plane.
 10. Thebicycle operating device according to claim 8, wherein the cablesupporting member is configured to be rotatable around the longitudinalaxis of the bicycle part.
 11. The bicycle operating device according toclaim 8, wherein the base member includes a supporting portionconfigured to rotatably support the cable supporting member about therotation axis.
 12. The bicycle operating device according to claim 6,further comprising: a first biasing member configured to bias the cablesupporting member such that the operated member is disposed at the restposition.
 13. The bicycle operating device according to claim 1, whereinthe base member includes a rest positioning portion configured to becontactable with the operated member to position the operated member atthe rest position relative to the base member.
 14. The bicycle operatingdevice according to claim 13, wherein the base member includes a firstpositioning portion configured to be contactable with the operatedmember to position the operated member at the first operated positionrelative to the base member, and a second positioning portion configuredto be contactable with the operated member to position the operatedmember at the second operated position relative to the base member. 15.The bicycle operating device according to claim 14, wherein the basemember includes a first guide portion configured to guide the operatedmember between the rest positioning portion and the first positioningportion, and a second guide portion configured to guide the operatedmember between the rest positioning portion and the second positioningportion.
 16. The bicycle operating device according to claim 15, whereinthe first guide portion is configured to allow the operated member to bemoved from the first operated position to the second operated positionwithout via the rest position.
 17. The bicycle operating deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the operation cable is configured to beconnected to a bicycle seatpost assembly to adjust an overall length ofthe bicycle seatpost assembly, the bicycle seatpost assembly has a firstoverall length and a second overall length, the first and second overalllengths being different from each other, the overall length of thebicycle seatpost assembly is adjustable to the first overall length in astate where the operated member is positioned at the first operatedposition such that the operation cable is pulled relative to the basemember by the first amount of movement, and the overall length of thebicycle seatpost assembly is adjustable to the second overall length ina state where the operated member is positioned at the second operatedposition such that the operation cable is pulled relative to the basemember by the second amount of movement.